Student uses creative passions to spin visual tales

William Heinrich hopes to use his photography to tell peoples’ stories and to help others through his art.

I believe there’s always more to do to help others and humanity as a whole, which serves as a constant inspiration in my life. That is why I got into photography – to tell peoples’ stories and to help others through my art. And as a student at South Texas College, I have expanded my creativity and learned skills to put my knowledge to good use.

As a member of STC’s Photography Club I discover more about the world around me and about the contributions I can make to society as an artist. In the spring semester, I placed first in an STC Earth Day photo competition to showcase the beauty of nature and conservation. I also displayed some of my photos at the Weslaco Public Library and I’m currently compiling a photo exhibit of the many sites and faces of Weslaco to display at STC’s Mid-Valley Campus. College has helped me find new outlets to showcase my work and tell people’s stories through the lens.

Photography is not my only creative outlet or passion. I also enjoy writing poetry and the art of the written word. I’m pursuing my associate’s degree in English with the hopes of one day earning a master’s degree in the subject. I’m also majoring in photography so I can combine my passion for both mediums to become an English professor and freelance photographer for Transworld Skateboarding Magazine.

Earning a college degree is important to me because it will not only allow me to reach all of the goals I’ve set for myself, but will provide the foundation I need to attain a fulfilling career. Pursuing a higher education has already opened so many doors for me and contributed to my personal growth as an artist. It has also inspired me to continue doing great things with my life and, in turn, I hope to inspire others to keep their chins up and strive to be exceptional.

If I have one message for others it’s that life is not about trying to change the world, but about doing our best to make it better in any way we can. It’s also about respecting the will of others and using all that we’ve learned to have a positive impact on the lives we touch along the way. That’s exactly what I intend to do, and getting my education is just the first step in the journey.

If I could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why? The three main people I would probably choose would be Geoff Rickly, the lead singer of the band Thursday; Jónsi Birgisson, vocalist and guitarist for the band Sigur Rós; and Ts’ao Ts’ao, a warlord in ancient China and one of my personal heroes. They have all helped shaped my thoughts. And it would just make for interesting conversation – language barriers and all.

What’s a fun fact not too many people know about me? I enjoy skateboarding and I am a big gamer.